Cyclones Blank Fifth-Ranked Cowgirls

AMES, Iowa – For the second straight meeting, Iowa State (15-21, 4-9 Big 12) toppled a top-five Oklahoma State (34-7, 12-4) team, this time in shutout fashion – 2-0.

The Cyclones couldn't have asked for a better time to earn their first shutout of the season, as the combination of Lauren Schurman (3-3) and Jaiden Ralston (2) blanked the Cowgirls in Ames. Ashley Minor was the difference for the Cyclones, as the sophomore drove in both runs, one via long ball and the other via bases-loaded HBP, as ISU only needed two to take down OSU.

Iowa State showed it could win differently today, earning its first win of the season when scoring two or fewer runs. It was just the third time all year Iowa State earned a win while being outhit. Today was also the first time any Iowa State team defeated the fifth-ranked team in the NFCA poll, as ISU was previously 0-7.

Olivia Wardlow and Angelina Allen joined Minor in the hit column, with Allen earning a hit in her tenth consecutive game – the longest streak of her career. Tiana Poole, Tatum Johnson and Minor all drew walks, as OSU pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl gave up more walks today than she had in a single game all year.

Schurman earned her third win of her freshman year giving up five hits across five frames and striking out a pair of Cowgirls. Ralston entered with the Cyclones up 1-0 and closed the game out, tossing a hitless final two innings to earn her second save of the year.

Rosie Davis led the Cowgirl attack, as she tallied a pair of hits while three others notched one. OSU was unable to draw any freebies from the Cyclone staff, as ISU didn't walk or hit any batters. Kilfoyl (15-3) allowed just three hits and struck out seven, but her five free bases (three walks and two HBP) caught up to her. She took a no-hitter into the fifth before Minor's solo shot broke up the no-no.

How it Happened
It was a true pitcher's duel at the Cyclone Sports Complex on Friday afternoon. Both teams were held scoreless through four complete innings before Iowa State broke through in the bottom of the fifth.

Oklahoma State had three hits heading into the fifth, while Kilfoyl had held the Cyclones hitless heading into the frame.

OSU got two more hits in the top of the fifth, placing runners on first and second. However, a Caroline Wang groundout ended the threat as OSU left two stranded.

As the inning flipped, Minor saw a 3-1 pitch she couldn't resist, teeing off on Kilfoyl and blasting one over the center field fence to break the stalemate and earning her sixth homer of the season. Her homer was the first hit of the game and broke up Kilfoyl's no-hit bid.

Ralston entered for Schurman in the sixth and promptly got a groundout followed by two fly outs to end the inning and bring the Cyclone bats back to the plate.

In the bottom of the sixth, Iowa State started with an Allen double and a Poole HBP and Johnson walk would load the bases with just one out. Minor was then hit by a pitch to score Allen and push the ISU lead to 2-0. Back-to-back strikeouts from Kilfoyl ended the frame, but not before ISU could extend its lead.

Ralston closed things out in the seventh, earning a flyout from the leadoff Cowgirl. The next batter, a pinch hitter, lined out to third, before the final batter struck out swinging as Iowa State claimed win number 15 on the year.

Friday Notes
Home Runs
Iowa State: Ashley Minor (6)
Oklahoma State: N/A

WP – Lauren Schurman (3-3): 5.0 IP, 5 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 2 strikeouts
SV – Jaiden Ralston (2): 2.0 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strikeout
LP – Lexi Kilfoyl (15-3): 7.0 IP, 3 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, 7 strikeouts

On Deck
The Cyclones and Cowgirls will be back at it tomorrow afternoon, as the two teams square off in game number two at the Cyclone Sports Complex at 1 p.m. Tomorrow's game will be streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

As a reminder, admission to the Cyclone Sports Complex is free.

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Team Stats

Angelina Allen

Ashley Minor

Olivia Wardlow

Milaysia Ochoa

Players Mentioned

Angelina Allen

Tatum Johnson

Ashley Minor

Tiana Poole

Jaiden Ralston

Lauren Schurman

Olivia Wardlow

Players Mentioned

Angelina Allen

Tatum Johnson

Ashley Minor

Tiana Poole

Jaiden Ralston

Lauren Schurman

Olivia Wardlow

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics